Vista girls place third at Folsom tourney

Vista del Lago earned a third-place finish in the Bulldog Tournament on Saturday with a 71-35 demolition of its Sierra Valley Conference opponent Galt.

The game might have been a preview for at least two wins in Vista’s league this season, but a third-place finish in a preseason tournament has the team off to one of its best starts in recent history.

So far the Eagles stand at a 6-7 record. They began on a four-game win streak to start the season before losing three straight in the Oak Ridge Tournament.

A new coach in Marty Benjamin and depth on the bench for the first time since reaching playoffs in 2009 was on display against Galt.

“A lot of us haven’t played together before this year, so the more we’re playing together the better it’s getting for everyone,” said point guard Stephanie Clawson, who was awarded All-Tournament honors after scoring 14 points with five assists and three steals.

“It’s the whole team which did well, not just me,” said Clawson. “We’re improving a lot every game and I think if we played McClatchy again today we could beat them.”

Vista edged out Colfax 49-46 on Thursday and fell short 53-43 against McClatchy on Friday.

Galt did its part in allowing Vista to run its offense – jacking up 5-for-29 (17%) from three-point – but Clawson was one of five players with at least 10 points.

Ezenia Coleman scored 10 along with four rebounds and a steal. Caprina Pipion had 12 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Rebecca Stephens dominated the inside game with 13 points, seven rebounds, three steals, two blocks and two assists.

Game-high scoring went to Kendall Moore, who dropped 15 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal.

“We’re moving the ball a lot better and it’s not just me, the points are spread out across the board,” said Moore. “We’re also finishing shots a lot better than we were at the beginning of the year.”

Scoring depth will certainly help as the Eagles host a rivalry game against Folsom on Thursday.